I would just like to share one thing that I believe it very important for a eurotrip: GOODWALKINGSHOES. I’m into fashion, so wearing hiking shoes or comfortable-but-ugly shoes just doesn’t work for me. However, you learn quickly in Europe while walking around that a good comfortable pair of shoes is crucial. I actually have a slight back problem which causes pain when I walk around too long, so the initial flats and cute sandals that I had brought along on my trip last summer just didn’t cut it. Thankfully, i was in Berlin and was told to buy a pair of BIRKENSTOCKS- Best purchase of the trip! I would totally recommend everyone to buy a pair. They are considerable cheaper in Europe than in North America, so you are probably better off getting them over there. but trust me on this one.. you will not believe how comfortable they are for long days touring cities!

I certainly agree that good walking shoes are important.
Are Birkies really cheaper in Europe? Maybe at the outlet stores?
I know Mephistos are pretty much the same price, as are Danskos and Eccos.
Anyway, I like all of the above but lean towards Keen and Rieker.
Merrell can be good too though I don’t think their soles are quite as supportive.
Don’t think I’m ready for z-coils, but people swear by them.

Yeah, I haven’t heard of anything being cheaper in Europe than in the United States. My guess is Paco comes from Canada where, like Europe, manufactured goods like clothing and shoes cost more than they do in the US. (For some reason, Canadians always emphasize that they’re from North America, far more so than Americans and Mexicans do, so I have a feeling Paco is Canadian). That’s not to say you can’t find good deals in Europe, and outlet stores are becoming more common. I’ve bought a pair of Timberland sandals in Spain that lasted me years. I paid a decent amount for them, but I wouldn’t say they were expensive; they were on sale. Yes, I know it’s an American brand, but I wasn’t going to be back in the US for a while and I desperately needed sandals.

yea, I am from Canada. but the prices here really don’t differ much than that of the States -maybe a few dollars at most. (clearly you’ve never been). that being said, I went to the store in Berlin and no – it wasn’t an outlet. and cheap, in my opinion, is 25 Euro for a pair of Birkenstocks. They were the most practical purchase of my trip last summer, and I do plan on buying a new pair this summer as well.

yea, I am from Canada. but the prices here really don’t differ much than that of the States -maybe a few dollars at most. (clearly you’ve never been). that being said, *I went to the store in Berlin *and no – it wasn’t an outlet. and cheap, in my opinion, is 25 Euro for a pair of Birkenstocks. They were the most practical purchase of my trip last summer, and I do plan on buying a new pair this summer as well.

25 euro is a good deal, esp if it is real sandals and not heel-less thongs.
Perhaps you can share the store with us?
Or are they that cheap everywhere?
I’ve never really shopped for Birkenstocks, but all the other European brands I’ve sought were either not cheaper, or only negligibly so.